From the halls of Hooker High School to the football field and basketball court, the Bulldogs play on. Senior Nate Metcalf said his mission to be a leader is foremost on his mind. 

“I try my best to be a leader by example because I’m not the type of person who would ever give a big speech,” Metcalf said. “I have always been a quiet person but being put in the role of a leader sometimes you need to speak up, and I count on my fellow senior teammates to help with that. Character means a lot to me because it shows maturity in who you are as a person,” he added. “You should carry yourself the same both on the court and off. So, I think character shows what kind of person you are.” 

With basketball season nearing the end, Metcalf said the season has gone well. 

“We are the number nine seed heading into regionals,” he said. “I wasn’t sure how it would go after losing four straight at the beginning of the season, but we turned it around and right now we’re 18-5 going into the playoffs and trying to make our fifth straight state tournament appearance.” 

As his final year of high school comes to a close, Metcalf said he’s also focusing on his future plans to become a crop duster. 

“First, this summer I will be part of a ground crew for a local spraying company,” he said. “Then next fall I will begin with my private pilot’s license, commercial license, and a tail wheel endorsement to fly tail-wheel planes. After that I will get my chemical certifications and find a job flying next spring.” 

In his free time, Metcalf said he enjoys playing video games with his friends or going out to the family farm and helping out any way he can.